These 6 Fugitives Are The Chicago-Area's 'Most Wanted'

The Federal Bureau of Investigations in Chicago is asking for the public's help in locating six of its most-wanted criminals.

Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are teaming up to try and track down the "Chicago Most Wanted" fugitives. The criminals on the lam are wanted on a variety of charges, from murder to carjacking to aggravated battery.

“The FBI is utilizing every available tool in our arsenal via our local, state, and federal law enforcement partnerships to bring violent criminals to justice and keep our communities safe,” said Douglas DePodesta, FBI Chicago field office special agent in charge. “Together, we are signaling to criminals that there will be no refuge or safe haven from law enforcement’s reach.”

There is reward money available to those who submit a tip that helps lead police to a suspect.

Here is a closer look at the six suspects currently wanted by the FBI:

• Aron Barcenas and Julio Caesar Bernal are both wanted on first-degree murder charges for allegations they fatally shot a 14-year-old boy in early May 2022. The boy, Erick Alfaro, was walking home in unincorporated Elk Grove Township when he was shot. Arrest warrants have been issues for Barcenas, 28, and Bernal, 23, in connection with the fatal shooting.

• Nesta Gray is wanted for the murder of Jaiden Howard, 16, whose body was found in the Kickapoo Meadows Forest Preserve in the 14000 block of South Thornton Road on Nov. 1, 2022, according to WGN. Howard died from a single gunshot wound to the back of the head.

• Gary Luellen is wanted in connection with a violent carjacking that happened on the 12600 block of South Halsted in Chicago on April 18, 2023. Luellen and his co-conspirators are accused of brandishing a gun during the theft of a 2022 Dodge Challenger. They used "force, violence, and intimidation" to steal the vehicle, according to the FBI in Chicago.

• Joseph Matos, also known as "Troubles," is wanted for his alleged involvement in the murder of National Guard member Chrys Carvajal in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood of Chicago on July 3, 2021. The victim had just graduated from basic training and was walking to his car after leaving a party over the Fourth of July weekend when he was alleged to have been shot and killed by Matos and a fellow gang member, according to the FBI Chicago. Matos is believed to be a member of the Milwaukee Kings street gang, a criminal organization whose members and associates have engaged in narcotics trafficking and committed acts of violence, including murder and assault, to acquire and preserve the gang’s perceived territory on the North Side of Chicago.

• Giovanny Portillo, 30, is wanted for attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery for allegations he shot a rival gang member at around 5:40 p.m. in the 600 block of South Route 59 in Naperville. Portillo is accused of firing 10 shots at Elijah Reyna and another individual as the duo was walking toward Shogun Restaurant. Reyna was hit several times in the lower torso and hand, Patch reported in 2021.

• Antonio Stigler is accused of killing a pregnant woman, 27-year-old Yasmeena Leree Harris, on Oct. 25, 2024, in the 400 block of West Pacesetter Parkway in Riverdale.

The FBI is urging the public to remain vigilant and report emergencies to local law enforcement by calling 9-1-1, the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), or by submitting tips online at tips.fbi.gov. Tipsters may elect to remain anonymous.

"One of the most powerful weapons we have in fighting violent crime is coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies," said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. "The partnerships between our agencies enabled us to get some of the most violent offenders — those charged with homicide and habitual gun offenses — off the streets, making our communities safer."